Lions team to play Australia: second test team confirmed

Thursday, 24 July 2025 at 06:35

byRugby Rucker

British & Irish Lions boss Andy Farrell has named a strong Irish contingent for Saturday’s blockbuster second Test against Australia at the MCG – with nine Irishmen, including seven from Leinster, in his starting line-up.

There was late drama in camp as Garry Ringrose pulled out after suffering concussion symptoms at the end of Thursday’s training session. The centre had been set to start ahead of Huw Jones, but it’s another cruel blow for Ringrose, who also missed the first Test due to a head knock.

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In midfield, Bundee Aki gets the nod over Sione Tuipulotu, who’s sidelined with a hamstring niggle. Sources suggest Aki would have started anyway – and he now reunites with Jones in the centres for the first time since the Reds clash.

Hugo Keenan retains the 15 jersey, while Tommy Freeman and James Lowe – despite underwhelming in the first Test – keep their places on the wings.

Up front, Andrew Porter replaces Ellis Genge at loosehead, creating an all-Irish front row with Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong. With Joe McCarthy injured, Ollie Chessum comes in to partner Maro Itoje in the engine room.

Farrell sticks with the same back row that dominated in Brisbane, while Jac Morgan, James Ryan, and Owen Farrellare named on a powerful bench. Blair Kinghorn provides back-three cover.

The Wallabies have gone big for the must-win clash, recalling Will Skelton, Rob Valetini, and hooker Dave Porecki. Coach Joe Schmidt opts for a 6-2 bench split.

STARTING XVs – 2ND TEST, MCG

Australia:
Wright, Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter, Lynagh, Gordon;
Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Skelton, Valetini, McReight, Wilson
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Williams, Gleeson, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson

British & Irish Lions:
Keenan, Freeman, Jones, Aki, Lowe, Russell, Gibson-Park;
Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje, Chessum, Beirne, Curry, Conan
Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Ryan, Morgan, Mitchell, Farrell, Kinghorn

Officials:
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
FPRO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

PLAYERS HEADING HOME:

With the second and third Tests looming, Farrell has made it clear that players not in the selection frame will be heading for the departure lounge.

Farrell said: “You have to assess how long it will take you to get someone over. But to get to this late stage and call for guys from the other end of the world and to get them here to cover or to be part of the matchday takes time.”

While he’s open to further reinforcements if injuries hit, particularly in specialist roles, the plan for now is to streamline the group.

1. Fin Smith –
The Flare with a Flaw

Showed flashes of class with ball in hand. His bullet pass set up Graham’s try, and a subtle offload paved the way for van der Merwe’s. Also worked hard defensively, making 15 tackles — joint most among Lions.

But a few missed conversions and errors at key moments dented his impact. With Russell and Farrell firmly ahead of him, Smith could easily be heading home as the squad tightens.

2. Tom Clarkson – The Quiet Enforcer

Did the gritty stuff well. The Irish prop held the scrum steady and drove hard into contact a few times. Nothing flashy, but the kind of shift coaches love.

3. Ewan Ashman – The Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-Him Hooker

Limited minutes and few chances to shine. Didn't put a foot wrong, but didn’t do enough to push for a Test spot either.

4. Jamie Osborne – Late Call-Up, Early Plane?

Turned heads with two tries and constantly threatened with ball in hand. Showed bravery under the high ball and looked sharp throughout.

Despite the breakout performance, he’s expected to head home — but will return with his stock much higher.

5. Gregor Brown – Cousin Cameo

The cousin of Blair Kinghorn made a tidy appearance off the bench. Solid in defence, no glaring errors, but didn’t do quite enough to justify holding a spot as the tour narrows.

6. Rory Sutherland – Scrum-Only Sighting

Another late-game cameo. Anchored the set-piece well but made no real dent elsewhere. May not get another shot.

7. Darcy Graham – Heartbreaker on the Wing

The Scottish flyer, called in just last week, made an immediate impact with a slick finish for the Lions' second try. But just 17 minutes in, he left the pitch with a foot injury.
Now in a protective boot and awaiting scans, his tour is almost certainly over.